Source: Unsplash by Melinda Gimpel
I am a big fan of the comedy sitcom, Modern Family and a bigger of Phil’s, “Phil’s-osophy”
For those who may not know who Phil Dunphy is, he is:
Phil in a nutshell:
Phil is a very kind and compassionate individual who is willing to help those in need. He is also very optimistic and fun-loving. He puts others ahead of himself and is known for being willing to help those who are in a jam.
A little on Phil’s-osophy
Like any other dad, Phil gives a piece of advice based on his personal experiences to his daughter, Haley Dunphy, who is starting her journey as an undergraduate student in a college. This is a personal hardbound collection of all the life lessons, or as he calls it, “Phil’s-osophy”
Here are five of my favourite lessons from his book:
Lesson #1
“If life gives you lemonade- make lemons and life will be all like “whaaaaat?”
The chances of us knowing what is going to happen in the future is zero to none, but accepting that something could happen is half the battle won. So, try not to be surprised when life gives you something to be startled about; be ready, be present, be inspired, put your mind to how best resolve that inconvenience, and something will definitely come of it. From there, you get to reap the benefits.
Lesson #2
“Success is 1% inspiration, 98% perspiration, and 2% attention to detail”
The math may not make sense but Phil’s feelings do. Talent without hard work is, of course, invaluable in the long run. Put your heart and soul into something and you will find all the possible ways to achieve what you wish to. Focusing on little things can compound and create a bigger impact; therefore, attention to detail is such a mandate. Remaining inspired is one of the toughest thing to do if you feel like you lose more than you win everyday. That is why 101% of you is required to attain your goal.
Lesson #3
“The most amazing things that can happen to a human being will happen to you, if you just lower your expectations.”
Having expectations is only natural. In a way, it is comforting to have someone to fall back on. Unfortunate as it is, however, nobody can completely ensure your wellness forever. By not depending on anyone for your happiness, you maybe able to achieve true happiness sooner. In a sense, it will be freeing to know that none of what you desire will be achieved by fabricating the false expectations of others.
Lesson #4
“Take a lesson from Parakeets. If you’re ever feeling lonely, just eat in front of the mirror.”
The feeling of loneliness has been felt by every individual at a point in their life – for some it may remain a constant feeling. What makes life less lonely is knowing that someone else feels the way you do; maybe not right here and maybe not right now, but beyond those geographical limits is someone else longing for a presence too. Is it something you must take shelter in? Absolutely. Be your own cheerleader, look in the mirror and hype yourself up. You do not have to have a solid backing of friends to complete you. You being here today is, in itself, a gift you must appreciate.
Lesson #5
“If you love something, set it free. Unless it’s a tiger.”
I, being a water sign, could cling onto someone for as long as death do us apart. However, I recognise that sometimes in life there are people who dream bigger, or even dream different from you: that does not make them wrong or you right, it simply calls for the very act of letting go. The more you try to hold onto something, the more it escapes from the palm of your hand. So, free it and embrace the fact that what come may be.